Spray devices



y 9 3958 L. SKKPWITH, JR 2,841,442

SPRAY DEVICES Filed March 5, 195a Fiel- 10 EEC-5.2 7 1 ,12 9 12 PatentedJuly 1, 1958 Petersburg,

The present invention relates to improvements in spray devices in whichnozzles of difierent sizes may be selectively employed in conjunctionwith an adjustable deflector whereby it is possible to provide either afan-like spray or a jet or full stream of desired range in a sprayingoperation. More particularly, the invention relates to improvements inhose Sprayers by which material to be applied is aspirated from acontainer, and improved means are provided on the cover of the containerfor altering at will the form of a projected stream of the material byinterchange of nozzles and by manipulation of a separate highlyeftective deflector.

in conventional spray devices of the aspirating type, a nozzle anddeflector are generally rigidly combined in a unit. The deflector insuch a unit is not adjustable, and the nozzle in itself is not readilyreplaceable, or at least replacement or interchange cannot be performedwithout detachment of the deflector. These and other deficienciesdetract from the practicality of spray devices particularly of the typesdescribed hercinbelow.

An object of the present invention is to provide improvements in thearrangement of a nozzle and a deflector means in a spray device. Afurther object is to provide improved means for conveniently andeffectively adjusting a spray formation depending upon type and relativeposition of the surface to be sprayed, and on the particular purpose ofthe spray application. Gther objects will be apparent from the followingdetailed description of the invention, and the accompanying drawingsincluded for purposes of illustration.

In the drawings, Fig. l is an elevational view, partly in section, ofthe upper portion of a container such as a jar with a screw cap or coveron which is mounted, as shown, a preferred form of apparatus associatedin the present invention; Fig. 2 is a vertical section of a portion ofthe apparatus shown; Fig. 3 is a top plan view of means on the cover forthe container shown in Fig. 1; and Figs. 4, 5, and 6 are fragments ofthe top plan view illustrating a deflector means in several diflerentpositions.

Referring more specifically, and by way of example, to the drawing, thereference character 1 designates a container, such as a Mason jar, formaterial to be sprayed, including for instance, liquid or soluble(powdered) insecticides, fungicides, plant foods, weed killers, cleaningcompounds, or coating compositions, or others. While other types ofcontainers may be used, a Mason jar has advantages in that it is astandard, inexpensive article, widely available, and readily replaceableif broken. A removable metal cap or cover 2 that is screwed onto themouth portion 3 of the jar is also standard for Mason jars provided withscrew threads at the mouth. This type of cover for the container is notessential, other forms being adaptable, though the spraying elements tobe described are particularly suitable and preferred for use in the formshown. It is found that for effective spraying, the means provided canbe conveniently attached to and spaced and arranged Within the areaavailable on the outer flat surface 4 of the standard cover, as shown inFigs. 1 and 3.

A valve chamber 5 with an outlet nipple 6, and a hose coupling 7 with apipe connection 8 between the coupling and the valve chamber, serve asmeans for directing and controlling a stream of liquid from a source ofsupply through a nozzle 9 detachably mounted on the nipple 6. The valvechamber is preferably rigidly attached to the top 4 of the cover 2 in asuitable manner and the combined elements are positioned diametricallythereon. The valve in the chamber 5 is of a well-known or suitable typeand is controlled by a handle Ill in position for manipulation duringspraying. It is not essential for the spraying operation that thechamber 5 shall contain a valve or that a valve be placed between thecoupling '7 and the nipple 6. In a portable spray, a valve in thisposition serves as a convenience for the operator. Any passage means towhich a nozzle may be connected can serve in directing liquid to thenozzle.

The nozzle 9 is of a type usable for aspirating sprayable material froma container. in the nozzle shown, which consists of a cylindrical pieceof metal or other suitable substance, a socket ll is provided at one endfor insertion of the nipple 6 for directing liquid from the valvechamber 5. When the nozzle 9 is in position the center of the outer endof this nipple is in alignment with the axis along which a passage 12extends longitudinally from the socket ii to the opposite end 13. Asuitable packing means, such as a rubber ring 14, is provided on thenipple 6 to prevent leakage.

Extending laterally from the passage 12 in the nozzle is a tubularconnector 15 to which is connected a suction tube 16 that extendsdownwardly into the jar i when the nozzle is in place for spraying. Thesuction tube 1 may be made of metal, glass, or preferably plastic, suchas polyethylene.

The upper end of the tube 16 fits tightly on the end 17 of the connector15 and abuts against a flange 18 thereon. For purposes hereinafterindicated, a space 19 is provided between the flange l8 and the adjacentouter cylindrical surface of the nozzle 9. The connector 15 and the tube16 can be separately disconnected, if desired, so that one or the otheror both may be replaced. These parts can be made to fit together so thatthey are leakproof, or the junctures may be rendered leakproof in anyapproved manner.

An opening 2% is provided in the cover 2 through which the tube 16 isinserted. The opening 20 is of suificient size to permit mounting inplace on the nipple \5 of the nozzle 9 with its attached tube 16, and topermit removal thereof.

A plate 21, having an extension 22 that provides a deflecting surface23, here termed a deflector, is attached to the cover 2 by a fasteningmeans 24 which serves as an axis about which the plate 21 is rotated,and the deflector 23 is swung in or out of the path of a stream from thenozzle 9. The plate 21 serves in adjusting the position of thedeflector, and to lock in place as well as to release a separatelyreplaceable nozzle.

In the particular means shown, the plate 2 lies flatly against the top-5 of the cover 2. The plate has a camlike or circular edge 25, and twostraight edges 26 and 27 meeting at 28 at right angles to each other andintersecting the edge 25 at 29 and 39. The circular edge 25 is in theform of an arc of a circle with its center at the axis 24. The edges 26and 27 are formed by secants of the circle, the point of theintersection lying beyond the axis 24.

The deflector 23, preferably in the form of a flat, rigid, narrow,finger-like strip, extends from the edge 26 in a plane at an angle tothe plane of the plate 21. One side edge of the deflector is in linewith the edge 27 of theplate 21. The outer free end of the deflector hasa rounded edge 32. When the deflector 23 is in the position shown inFig. 1, the longitudinal center line thereof, the axis 24, and thepassage 12 in the nozzle 9 are in a plane perpendicular-to thetopssurface 4 of the cover..?.. In such position, the deflector is inthe path of the stream from the nozzle, andthe position of the edge 32in'relation thereto, as well as the position of the area of impingementof the stream on the .deflector, and the angle 5 of incidence of. thestream from the'nozzle, are such that a preferred'spray effect isobtained,ras further explained hereinbelow. i V Thenozzle 9, whenmounted on the nipple 6 in position for spraying, as seen in Fig. l, isheld in spaced relation to: the cover 2 so that when the plate 21 isrotated about the axis 24 it can pass between the cover 2 and the nozzle9, and the curved edge 25 of the plate can be moved into the space 19between the flange 18 and the nozzle to. prevent removal of the nozzlewhile spraying. As shown in Figs. 3 to 6 inclusive, the plate 21' andthe combined deflector 23 are freely rotatable about the axis 24 and aremovable into and out of various positions. In preparingthe spray devicefor operation, the active substance to be sprayed is charged into thejar 1, and the cap or cover 2 is screwed on with the assembly thereon ofthe plate 21, deflector 23, valve chamber 5, nipple 6, and hose coupling7, arranged as shown in Fig. 3. The nozzle 9 is mounted on one end ofthe tube 16 and is connected thereto by means'of the connector The plate21 is turned to bring the straight edge 27 thereof into position nextadjacent the opening 20, at right angles to the line of travel of liquidconducted to'the nozzle, thus uncovering the opening and permitting theinsertion of the tube 16 into the jar 1. The socket end of thenozzle 9is mounted on the nipple 6, thereby placing the nozzle in sprayingposition.

be turned clockwise from the position shown 'in Fig. 3 to that shown inFig. 4 to bring the circular edge thereof into the space 19, thuslocking the nozzle 9 and the 'tube 16 in place and also bringing thedeflector 23 into position for effectively modifying the spray projectedfrom the nozzle. If desired, this can be done before screwing the coveron the jar 1. With the coupling 7 screwed onto the end of a hose or tubefor feeding liquid to the spray, the device is ready for use in aspraying operation.

As indicated above, Fig. 4, inassociation'with Fig. 1, illustrates thearrangement of elements for providing a fan-shaped spray. Spray materialhaving been charged into the jar 1, and water, for instance, having beenadmitted under pressure to the valve chamber 5, the rate of flow throughthe nozzle is regulated 'or adjusted by manipulating the valve handle10. The water passing through the nozzle is mixed with the spraymaterial, and

the mixture is projected'againstthe deflector 23.

The plate 21 may then In the use-of the means to direct the spray and toproject spray material in various directions provided the op'en end 35ofthe tube 16 is within the body of a mass of spray material in thejarl, the deflector 23 when. in the position shown in Figs. land 4conveniently serves to direct the spray more easily towarddownwardlyfacing surfaces. Deflection downwardly can also be providedfor in projecting a spray onto upwardly facing surfaces.

Deflection may be omitted either'initially or in the course of aspraying operation'by moving the deflector 23 out of the pathof thestream from the nozzle 9. This is done'preferably by rotating the plate21 and deflector 23 clockwise toward the position shown in Fig. 5

so that the plate 21 will still maintain the nozzle 23 and tube 16locked in place; When deflection is omitted, the device is particularlyuseful in spraying distant surfaces, as for instancein the spraying oftall trees and ornainentals.

To substitute one nozzle for another, the plate 21 and deflector 23 arerotated toward the position shown in ing the combined locking means anddeflector may be.

It is found possible to obtain the desired and preferred eifect on thestream from the nozzle 9 with the deflector 23 and other elementssupported within the confines of the surface area on a cover of a Masonjar. The area of impingement on the inclined deflector surface ispositioned at such a distance from the nozzleopening 34, and thedeflector surface is at such an angle that the deflected stream movesin. a forward direction and is spread laterally chiefly in a plane infanlike form. The angle is such that spattering in other directions issubstantially or completely avoided and the farmed spray form isobtained with substantially no interference or interruption from theside edges or the tip' end 32 of the deflector strip 22. r v 7 V Withincrease or decrease of pressure and volume rate of flow in the streamfrom the nozzle, the range of the spray can be varied while itsfan-shaped form: is maintained. The particles in the spray are dispersedand are spaced to a greater or lesser degree but within limits thatenable an operator to direct the sprayed material within the area ofsurfaces being sprayed, thus preventing bypass and hence avoiding wasteof the material.

i Fig. 6, thereby moving the plate out of the space 19 and uncoveringthe opening '20; The nozzle 9 is pulled off the nipple 6 and withdrawnwith the attached tube 1 6. The substituted nozzle with tube is mountedand locked in place. Nozzles with a passage 12 of increased diameterdeliver a coarser spray than a nozzle with a passage 12 of smallerdiameter; A fine fan sprayv pro- :duced with a nozzle with a passage 12of small diameter,

is preferred, for instance, in sprayingflowers andsmall' plants andshrubs. A coarse fan spray is recommended,- for instance, in applyingspray material to lawns, or when using wettable powders on flowers andother plant growths, or when applying cleaning compounds, for instance,to cars, windows and walls. 5

In replenishing thesupply of :spray material in the jar 1, theaspirating liquidstream, water for instance, is cut ed at its sourceorby moving the handle 10 to close a valve in the chamber '5; and thejar 1 is unscrewed from the cover 2 while the assembly on the cover iskept intact. If the opening 20 in a cover is sufliciently large to pourspray material conveniently. into a container'Lthe' plate 21- is rotatedto the position shown in Figs.r3 and 6 to unlock the nozzle, remove itwith the tube 16,-and to uncover the opening 20. j V

The plate 21 and the extension 22 that serve in forms'tamped out ofsheet metal in one piece. The metal may be flexible and bendable and yetsufliciently rigid to mainplified form that can be produced at arelatively low cost. Means are advantageously and conveniently arrangedfor providing highly efiective sprays that are readily changeabledepending on the spray materials employed and on the surfaces to whichthey are applied.

The invention hereinabove set forth is embodied in particular form andmanner but may be variably embodied within thescope of the claimshereinafter made.

What is claimed is: f V

1. In a spray device comprising a container for spray material and aremovable cover for the container, the said cover having attached to thenormally exposed surface thereof a valve chamber connected to a couplingmeans on the inlet side of said chamber, a removable nozzle mounted onthe outlet of said chamber, an aspirating tube connected to said nozzleand passing through' said illustrated, though it is feasible chamber andnozzle, a rotatable plate attached to said cover for locking the nozzleand tube in place in a spraying operation and for releasing the saidnozzle and tube for separate removal thereof by rotation of said plate,and a deflector attached to said plate movable in and out of the line ofthe stream from the nozzle by rotation of said plate to selectivelyprovide a fan-shaped spray and a jet spray respectively whilemaintaining said nozzle and tube locked in position.

2. In a spray device, means for conducting and directing a stream ofliquid, a removable spray nozzle, mounted on said means, for sprayingsaid liquid, a removable tube connected to said nozzle for conductingspray material from a supply thereof to said nozzle by aspirationeffected by said liquid stream, said tube having connecting means forconnecting it to said nozzle, said connecting means having a grooveadjacent said nozzle, a plate having an edge movable in said groove tolock said nozzle in place relative to said supply of spray materialduring a spraying operation and movable out of said groove to releasesaid nozzle for removal thereof, and a deflector integral with andmovable with said plate and movable into and out of the path of thestream projected from the nozzle to vary selectively the shape of thespray.

3. In a spray device including a container for fluid material to beprojected onto a surface, a removable cover for said container, saidcover having associated therewith a nozzle and connecting means fordirecting a stream through said nozzle, a suction tube connected to saidnozzle and extending from the nozzle into the container for withdrawingsaid material from said container for projection in said stream, thesaid nozzle being separable from said connecting means for selectivelysubstituting therefor another nozzle; the said device having a plateattached to the said cover for said container and movable thereon aboutan axis, and a deflector extending from said plate and movable therebyin and out of the path of said stream from said nozzle to causeparticles of said material which impinges on the deflector to fan outfrom the line of said stream in suspension, the said plate having acam-like edge for locking the said nozzle and said suction tube inplace.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,761,734 Farmer Sept. 4, 1956

